Vehicles

When buying any camper look out for...

• Rust, particularly on the bottom 6 inches all around...
• Rust on chassis box sections
• On front and rear outriggers
• On roof guttering, sills, wheel arches
• On floors in front of the rear wheels
• Behind front seats
• Under cover plates which can hide a horror story of trapped moisture and rust

Be careful of campers with suspension lowered to make them look cool...

• The ride can be harsh
• Visibility is reduced
• You can't crawl underneath to do repairs

Check the engine carefully...

• Oil leaks near the gearbox flange usually mean an 'engine out' job
• In gearboxes listen for bearing whines
• Check all gears work and don't jump out of gear (a floppy gear change is normal)
• Pull and push the bottom pulley wheel: if you feel a loud 'clunk clunk' the engine needs a rebuild. Very small movement is OK

Other things to look out for...

• Inoperative heaters and controls - requiring new heat exchangers,
• Smell of petrol inside the vehicle usually means rubber pipes need replacing
• Tanks can also rust through where they come in contact with more rust
• Steering should be direct with hardly any play. If not check the steering box Get repairs advice from...
• Any experienced VW camper repair shop that's been there for more than 5 years
• Inspect a car they've restored or get a customer reference

Get spare parts from...

• eBay, www.justkampers.co.uk and www.vwhertitage.com
• Alan Schofield for most body panels.
• VW Motoring magazine for other leads

Prices you can expect to pay for a Bay (1967 onwards)...

• Totally original and unrestored with MOT £5000 - £15,000
• You can still buy new Bays built in Mexico, vans (c £10000), minibuses (c £13,000) or campers (c £30,000) - see VW Motoring or Volks World for prices
• Restored with MOT £5000 - £15000 (Watch out for hidden patched over horrors)
• MOT'd but needing work £2000 - £6000
• A 'basket case' £1000 - £2000

Reasons why you shouldn't buy one...

• Because it looks cool or restored but you haven't looked underneath and don't want to constantly maintain it
• It has a six volt system when you want reliability, though conversion to 12 volts is easier than people realise see www.nls.net/mp/volks/
• You think it will be fast and/or economical

When buying any camper look out for...

• Rust, particularly on the bottom 6 inches all around...
• Rust on chassis box sections
• On front and rear outriggers
• On roof guttering, sills, wheel arches
• On floors in front of the rear wheels
• Behind front seats
• Under cover plates which can hide a horror story of trapped moisture and rust

Be careful of campers with suspension lowered to make them look cool...

• The ride can be harsh
• Visibility is reduced
• You can't crawl underneath to do repairs

Check the engine carefully...

• Oil leaks near the gearbox flange usually mean an 'engine out' job
• In gearboxes listen for bearing whines
• Check all gears work and don't jump out of gear (a floppy gear change is normal)
• Pull and push the bottom pulley wheel: if you feel a loud 'clunk clunk' the engine needs a rebuild. Very small movement is OK

Other things to look out for...

• Inoperative heaters and controls - requiring new heat exchangers,
• Smell of petrol inside the vehicle usually means rubber pipes need replacing
• Tanks can also rust through where they come in contact with more rust
• Steering should be direct with hardly any play. If not check the steering box Get repairs advice from...
• Any experienced VW camper repair shop that's been there for more than 5 years
• Inspect a car they've restored or get a customer reference

Get spare parts from...

• eBay, www.justkampers.co.uk and www.vwhertitage.com
• Alan Schofield for most body panels.
• VW Motoring magazine for other leads

Prices you can expect to pay for a Split (pre-1967)...

• Totally original and unrestored with MOT £9000 - £25,000
• Restored with MOT £8000 - £20,000 (Watch out for hidden patched over horrors)
• MOT'd but needing work £5000 - £8000
• A 'basket case' £1500 - £2500

Prices you can expect to pay for a Bay (1967 onwards)...

• Totally original and unrestored with MOT £5000 - £15,000
• You can still buy new Bays built in Mexico, vans (c £10000), minibuses (c £13,000) or campers (c £30,000) - see VW Motoring or Volks World for prices
• Restored with MOT £5000 - £15000 (Watch out for hidden patched over horrors)
• MOT'd but needing work £2000 - £6000
• A 'basket case' £1000 - £2000

Reasons why you shouldn't buy one...

• Because it looks cool or restored but you haven't looked underneath and don't want to constantly maintain it
• It has a six volt system when you want reliability, though conversion to 12 volts is easier than people realise see www.nls.net/mp/volks/
• You think it will be fast and/or economical

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The VW Type 2 is the classic old-school camper van that popularised the compact leisure vehicle industry. VW Transporters are still made today, currently as the T5 model.

Known as the Eurovan in USA and Mexico, or Transporter in UK, Ireland & North Europe.

Type 2

All Transporters from conception to the introduction of the 1990 T4 are knows as the Type 2.

History

The Type 2 was the second line to be produced by VW, the Type 1 (The Beetle) being the first. Introduced in 1950 the Type 2 initially shared many components and design features with the The Beetle. Officially called Transporter and Kombinationskraftwagen ("combined-use vehicle") in German, hence where the Kombi nickname comes from. Popular terms in English also include "combi", "vee-dub" and "microbus".

T1

The first pre 1967 versions had a slip front windscreen, which the "splitty" nickname comes from, but where also known as the Microbus. Produced from 1950 to 1967 in German, and then until 1975 in Brazil. All models have a air cooled rear-engine design.

T2

In 1968 the T2 came into production. Subsequent versions had a large curved windscreen known as a "bay window". So popular were the originals vans that they where often copied by manufacturers, and the many VW variants being used as refrigeration vans, hearses, ambulances, police vans, fire engines and of course camper vans. All models have a air cooled rear-engine design.

T3 / T25

The T3 (T25 in UK & Ireland) was built between 1979 and 1991. In the late 1970s Volkswagen started to think about replacing the rear-engines Type 2 transporters. VW had successfully updated their car range to front-engined, water cooled designs. However, when updating the Transporter they continue to use the rear-engined design. It is believed that this was done after pressure from the works unions at the Salzgitter factory, when the boxer engines where built. The front-engined Transports where delayed until the T4 model. There are air and water cooled versions of petrol and diesel engines. From 1985 the 4-wheel-drive T3 Synchro was produced. The a slightly modified T3 continued to be produced in South Africa until 2002.

Type 2 variations

• delivery van without side windows or rear seats (Panel Van)
• delivery van with raised roof (Highroof Panel Van), or Hochdach
• van with side windows and removable rear seats (Kombi, from German Kombinationskraftwagen (combination vehicle), i.e. both a passenger and a cargo vehicle combined)
• van with more comfortable interior reminiscent of passenger cars (Bus; also called Caravelle since the third generation)
• van with skylight windows and cloth sunroof (Samba-Bus, first generation only; also called Deluxe Microbus)
• flatbed truck (Pick-up), or Single Cab, also available with wider load bed
• flatbed truck, Double Cab, with two rows of seats (Crewcab Pick-up)
• camping van (Westy; with Westfalia roof and interior)
• semi-camping van that can also still be used as a passenger car and transporter, sacrificing some camping comforts (Multivan, available from the third generation on)

- New Transporter or Eurovan -

All Transporters since 1990 are no longer knows as the Type 2. This marks the end of the rear-engined design and the start of the front-engined vehicles.

T4

The Volkswagen T4, released in 1990, was the first Transporter to have a front engine, and front-wheel-drive. Available in the regular and long wheelbase versions. Known as the Eurovan in North America. The transversally mounted engines came in 4, 5 and 6 cylinder, petrol and diesel versions. The most popular being the direct injection TDI diesel engines. These changes bought the aging Transporters to the modern age again.

Many T2 and T3 fans disliked the modernisation, but the new T4 was a hugely successful state-of-the-art vehicle. The T4 was produced for 14 years, until 2003. This made is second to only the T1 in terms of length of production.

In 1994 a re-shaped front end was introduced. This was required to fit the six-cylinder VR6 engine, originally developed for the VW Golf.

T4 USA variations

In the U.S., the models were:

• the 7-passenger Eurovan GLS
• the Eurovan MV, in which the second row of seats face the rear, the third row converts into a 2-person bed, and includes a small DC refrigerator,
• the Eurovan MV Weekender, an MV plus a Westfalia conversion that adds a pop-top roof with sleeping room for two, a folding table in the passenger area, and curtains for all windows.
• the Eurovan Camper, which is the long wheelbase commercial van converted by Winnebago Industries to include a pop-top roof, two 2-person beds, seating for four (plus optional 1 or 2 person centre seats), a one cubic foot refrigerator that runs on propane, DC, or AC, a propane furnace, a closet, cabinets, sink with cold water and a gray water tank, a 2-burner propane stove, two 2-person dinette tables, coach battery, house lighting, and the two front bucket seats made to swivel around to face the dinette/kitchen area.

T5

The Volkswagen T5 range was released to the European market in late 2003. The T5 directly replaced the T4, retaining much of its looks and dimensions. The T5 is not available in the USA or Canada. Instead Volkswagen worked alongside DaimlerChrysler to create a suitable successor to the T4.

T5 Commercial Range

There are many variations in the T5 European commercial range.

• delivery van without side windows or rear seats (Panel Van)
• delivery van with raised roof (Highroof Panel Van; there's also a third roof height available with the T5, between the two traditional ones)
• van with side windows and removable rear seats (Kombi, from German Kombinationskraftwagen (combination vehicle), i.e. both a passenger and a cargo vehicle combined. Also available with heightened roof)
• van with side windows only in the front half of the cargo area, and only one row of removable rear seats (Half-panel)
• flatbed truck (Pick-up), also available with wider load bed
• flatbed truck with double cab and two rows of seats (Crewcab Pick-up)
• flatbed truck with lowered load bed
• naked chassis with cab (both single and crewcab), for coach builders to build special bodies onto

As with previous models there are is a large range of third-party conversions available. These include the typical range of utility vehicles, and of course camper vans.

T5 MPV & Lifestyle Range

In Europe, the Transporter Shuttle/Kombi , MPV van that seats between up to nine in comfort, it is an entry level model below the Caravelle/Multivan.

The Multivan, available with 7 seats in comfort, has a neat rail feature in which you can buy accessories & fit them in rails so accessories are secured or move seats into whatever configuration you can think of. The Caravelle has up to 9 fixed seats so does not have this option.

The Kombi/Multivan Beach & California are the camping versions of the new T5 range (T4 California only). The Kombi Beach comes with just a fold up bed whereas the California is a real Camper with beds,sinks and fold up seat & tables.

Camper vans

The VW Transporter is one one of the most popular base vehicles for camper van conversions. Read about the various VW Camper Van types.

VW Type 2 T1 Camper Van (Split Screen)Westfalia are best known for their conversion of VW camper vans. The full name of the company is Westfalia-Werke, which is based in the town of Rheda-Wiedenbruck in the Westphalia region of Germany.

Westfalia became famous for converting VW camper vans in 1951, which then continued doing until 2003. The company also converted non-VW vans into camper vans, and also made trailers and other products. Their good work with camper van conversions inspired many imitators, but no company took their legendary status.

Westfalia Mercedes Vito camper van conversion

Westfalia Mercedes Vito camper van conversion: Westfalia Mercedes Vito camper van conversion

Westfalia Ford Transit camper van conversion

Westfalia Ford Transit camper van conversion

Westfalia Mercedes Sprinter camper van conversion

Westfalia Mercedes Sprinter camper van conversion

In 1999, Daimler-Chrysler purchased a 49% stake in Westfalia-Werke's van conversion division, and in 2001 absorbed the remaining 51%. Of course, since Daimler-Chrysler is a Volkswagen competitor, this meant the end of the Volkswagen-Westfalia partnership. While Volkswagen still offers pop-top camper conversions in Europe, they now do the conversion themselves. Meanwhile, Westfalia now makes high-roof (rather than pop-top) factory camper conversions for Mercedes vans.

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A motorhome or motorcaravan offer the best in luxury and space.  Generally fitted with everything one needs, including a shower and toilet.  With a motorhome you are self sufficient and can do without campsites. 

Choosing a motorhome

There are many to choose from, many are expensive, but there are some bargains also (see below). Most motorhomes are bought by wealthy retired couples who spend their time cruising around Europe. Initially costing at least £25,000 - £60,000, a motorhome will devalue fairly slowly, as long as it is maintained.

Bargain motorhomes

Older motorhomes, such as models 10 years old or more, can be bought more cheaply, and are a great option if you intend to spend a lot of time living in it. If you have mechanical skills you can buy an older model with higher miles, which the owner or dealer is likely to have trouble selling. Once you give the motorhome a good service, correct and problems with it, and source some essential spares to carry with you (radiator hoses, engine belts, etc.) you can have a bargain motorhome ready for the road. Older Hymer models, for examples, can be bought for £6,000. If 4 people are sharing the vehicle, this makes it good value. When you sell the vehicle you should get most of your money back.

If you don't care what the vehicle looks like you can find even better value motorhomes. Many older motorhomes have repair patches to stop leaks, or where accidents have happened, or perhaps are faded. These motorhomes are not in demand and can be bought for as little as £2,000. You'll need to be confident you can repair or maintain the vehicle yourself to make it cost effective, but these types of motorhome can be a real bargain to travel in.

Buying a motorhome

Unless you have experience of motorhomes, or are confident with vehicles and mechanics, and have some caravan or camper van experience, it is much better to buy a motorhome from a dealer. Motorhome dealers normally have lots of models to choose from, they know what they are talking about, and will have fixed any problems with the motorhome and will probably give it a full MOT.

If you are looking for a bargain motorhome (see above) then try the dealers, some will have old part exchanges they are trying to get rid off, but also try private advertisements. Be prepared to look at lots, and don't buy the first one you see. You can always go back to it. Buying outside of summer will get you a better deal.

Buying tips

• Ensure everything works before you buy it. Get a discount for everything that doesn't work. Don't take the owners word that things do work, repairs can be expensive.
• Check the underside very carefully. Ensure the waters tanks and fuel tank are not leaking.
• Check the outside shell very carefully. Be confident any repairs are good before buying.
• Check the inside shell very carefully. Any discoloured patches on the walls or ceiling suggest a leak. Check the leak has been fixed properly.
• Check all the fixtures and fittings are there and working. If there is no has bottle, get one and try the cooking facilities and fridge. Don't assume they work.
• Drive it thoroughly. Take it up to cruising speed (60 mph / 100 kph), take it down lanes, take it to a supermarket, park it somewhere difficult. Ensure you can drive it!

Maintenance

Parts can be expensive, but most motorhomes are built using the chassis of a panel van or pickup. Therefore most of the parts are readily available. Any parts that are not from the original vehicle, such as the exhaust, which will be customised for the motorhome, can be expensive and difficult to find.

The interior of motorhomes are built using the same technology and ideas as caravans, so parts and repairs are not normally a problem. A lot of motorhomes are made by caravan builders.

If you buy an expensive motorhome with service history ensure you maintain the service history, or else your vehicle will devalue. If you buy a bargain motorhome ensure you maintain it yourself regularly. Older motorhomes will need lots of love, but will last a long time.

The good and bad of motorhomes

Good

• Luxurious
• Lots of space inside
• Sleep many people
• Lots of storage - inside and on the roof
• Self sufficient
• Great for 2 couples or 4+ individuals

Bad

• Expensive to buy (some bargains around though)
• Can be expensive to maintain
• Difficult to park
• Target for thieves
• Use lots of fuel - cost effective for large groups of people though

Mercedes Benz logoMercedes Benz have long had a tradition of making commercial vehicles, and were one of the first companies to offer a commercial diesel engine. In many countries of Europe the Mercedes Sprinter is the dominant commercial panel van , because of reliability and reduced long term operating costs. Mercedes commercial vans are known for lasting a long time, due to good engineer. Other European manufactures have caught up, but Mercedes still manufacture some of the best commercial vehicles available. Used vehicles hold their price well, so are not the cheapest.

Mercedes Sprinter (1995 - present)

Mercedes Sprinter, LWD redThe Mercedes Sprinter is probably the most popular new commercial panel van sold in Europe. The Sprinter is a workhorse vans that comes in a range of sizes and power options. The Sprinter supersedes the flat nose T1 van . VW LT vans after 1996 are all Mercedes Sprinters with a VW badge on. The Sprinter is a great option for a panel van conversion. There are lots of used examples available due to its popularity in the commercial market. Used models retain their price, but a good example is worth paying for. Used throughout Europe, so parts are common.

Slightly narrower than other panel vans. With a side door step, and full engine access via the bonnet, great improvements on the popular T1 precursor model. Rear doors are side opening, with or without windows. There are different hinges and catches to allow up to 270 degree rear door opening. The new CDi versions have improved engines, with more electronics, and a dashboard gear shifter. Pre CDi models have no engine electronics.

There is no low height version, only medium and high top. The Mercedes Vito fits the bill for a low profile van. Car roof racks fit the medium height version, due to the high rain gutter. The Mercedes TL is the mini-bus version of the Sprinter, and is a good option for a panel van conversion, as it has many windows already.

• 208
• 308
• 310
• 410 - dual rear axle

Mercedes TN & T1 (1977 - 1995)

Mercedes TN vanThe Mercedes TN and T1 vans , also affectionately known as the "pig nose", due to its flat pig like nose. A very popular van, with many people using them as the base of their camper van conversion. Lacks a step on the side door, now found on the Sprinter. Engine access is difficult, with limited access via the bonnet, and the remaining accessible underneath the dashboard.

Mercedes Vito (1995 - present)

Mercedes Vito vanThe Mercedes Vito is a popular small van. Marginally larger than a VW Transporter . Comfortable and stylish. Vito's hold their value well.

There is also a Viana model.

Mercedes T2

Mercedes Benz T2 vanA larger format van, more popular in continental Europe.

Mercedes MB100D

Mercedes MB100 vanCuriously never sold in the UK. This van was superseded by the Vito. There are still many examples through continental Europe, most being in great condition.

Mercedes 406D, 408D, 508D

Mercedes 508D van / busA large bus format vehicle, most with a handy hinged side door. The classic "traveller" bus, and many are still seen cruising around Europe throughout the year. Those that remain tend to have high mileage, still drive very well, and are in good condition.

Mercedes parts

Most serviceable parts are available at a good price. Mercedes do not make many of the parts themselves, therefore you don't have to buy them from Mercedes. The popularity of Mercedes vans also means that there are many good quality 3rd party parts available.

eurocarparts.co.uk - excellent online retailer of European vehicles parts. Massive discounts on prices.